Decision space overview

Option A - Custom build (design and build a boat)

• What you get: maximum fit to requirements; you control layout and system architecture.
• Primary risks: schedule slip, integration complexity, workmanship variability, certification/survey/insurance friction.
• Time drivers: hull build, rig lead times, systems installation, commissioning/debugging, sea trials.
• Cost drivers: labor, rework, tool/yard costs, supply chain, "one-off" premium.

Option B - Project / refit (acquire a donor boat and rebuild)

• What you get: faster to floating hulls; often cheaper entry price; you can upgrade selectively.
• Primary risks: unknown structural issues, hidden water intrusion, wiring/plumbing debt, incompatible layout, weight creep.
• Time drivers: survey and tear-down, structural remediation, systems replacement, interior rebuild.
• Cost drivers: surprises; replacing "nearly everything" costs more than expected; marina/yard time.

Option C - Ready-to-sail (buy one that already meets the spec)

• What you get: shortest time to use; known working system integration (in the best case).
• Primary risks: expensive; compromises versus exact spec; vendor lock-in on installed systems; deferred maintenance.
• Time drivers: search + travel + survey + closing + shakedown cruise + minor retrofits.
• Cost drivers: purchase price; refit to close gaps; insurance and moorage.

Key decision questions (the ones that settle it)

• Which requirements are hard constraints vs preferences (especially draft/beam/clearance and interior heights)?
• How much schedule slip can you tolerate (months vs years)?
• What is your tolerance for integration work (marine systems + IT + reliability engineering)?
• Is the computing/entertainment/network stack a core requirement, or an optional later retrofit?